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Chocolate has had a long and sometimes bitter journey from the Aztec empire to Hershey Park, but it all comes to a sweet ending at Co Co. Sala. Opened in May 2008 and drawing inspiration from around the globe, the sala (Italian for lounge) offers creative five-course tasting menus built entirely around chocolate, with savory selections and drinks that compliment to create a full flavor experience.
Decor: The cozy space itself is a feast for the senses, beginning with a small gas fire burning by the hostess stand. Dark colors are punched-up with red, textured leather mixes with corduroy and velvet, and glowing cases hold owner Nisha Sidhu’s abstract sugar sculptures, which are pointed out by an easy-on-the-eyes staff.
Vibe/Sounds/Dress code: Co Co. Sala aims for upscale, and guys arriving in shorts and sandals will be turned away. It’s more than a fancy-drink and tapas bar, yet despite original beats performed by DJ Malik on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s adamantly not a club. This lounge is ideal for D.C.’s hip international community and a sophisticated spot to enjoy a common favorite.
Eats: Balancing and complimenting flavors is the focus in Co Co. Sala’s kitchen and food is served from a quality-over-quantity perspective. The savories or “Coco Bites” are meant to whet your appetite as well as the $7 blue cheese burger slider. Each of the coco bite categories (mac & cheese, crab cakes, sliders and salads) pack enough flavor and ingenious incorporations of chocolate to be worthwhile. Not to worry if you want to save the sweet for dessert. Spicy options include shrimp mac & cheese with jalapeños and the Moroccan swordfish slider.
“Monde du Chocolate” The centerpiece of Co Co. Sala’s menu is the “Monde du Chocolat” by Chef Santosh Tiptur. His world travels as a pastry chef for luxury cruise lines has lent him the experience to invent these flavorful creations. There are four pre-set menus of five courses. The “Xocolatyl: Aztec Experience” menu is a nod to chocolate’s origins, featuring a spicy main dessert of hot chocolate soufflé followed by a soothing intermezzo course of papaya and lime margarita sorbet. The “Ciocco: Italian Voyage” and “Chocolate Maya: A Passage to India” track chocolate’s journey across the world.
Some culinary terms, like the Indian ras malai with carrot halwa may leave you clueless, while your waitress will assume you are worldly. Best advice: just act cultured and embark on a delicious adventure. Or you can stay close to home for the kid inside even the coolest D.C. scenester. The fourth menu is titled “Co Co Grownup: Childhood Favorites,” which features a petit four course meal served with pop rocks.
Drinks: The best perk is that you live near the corner “candy store” that will pair alcohol with your chocolate. Co Co. Sala’s specialty chocolate cocktails run $13 and include the “mmm Malted Milk Martini,” with Stoli vanilla and Bailey’s, and the “Co Cojito” is made with Van Gogh chocolate-infused vodka. There is also an extensive menu of wines, cognacs, beers, espressos, teas and French-press coffees. They even pay homepage to a time when chocolate was once enjoyed only as a beverage, there are also non-alcoholic hot (or frozen) coco drinks, with well-balanced flavors including mint and peanut butter.
Insider tip: *An array of unusual fruity sodas, including rhubarb and lemongrass are available but not on the menu.
*Beware when ordering water—some patrons complain of being swindled by refusing sparkling only to be brought a flat $9 bottle of Voss artisan water from Norway and servers generously refresh your empty bottles. Be sure to specify if you do not want bottled water.
Damage: No matter where in the world your taste buds are exploring, the five-course desserts run $30. There is an option to order only three courses for $20 if you want to skip the intermezzo and cheese, but to enjoy the complete taste progression designed by Chef Tiptur and his team, the full five is recommended (and worth the extra 10 dollars). All coco bites are an equal $7.
Bottom line: It is evident in each thoughtful detail and flavor that those behind the scenes at Co Co. Sala are enjoying themselves. The culinary creations border on art and diners with equal enthusiasm will love their experience. But if you come prepared to balk at dress codes, small portions and prices … this is not the place for you. For most it is not a regular weekly stop but a treat to highlight a special occasion.
